You can get a car crash report in Seattle, WA, by filing a Washington State Patrol Requests for Electronic Collision Records (WRECR) request online, by mail, or in person. If you choose to get your report in person, a government employee can assist you.
A Seattle car accident lawyer understands that it can be a bit confusing or convoluted to get these documents, so we will help make sure you can confidently make your request.
What Comes in a Car Crash Report
Car accidents have to have a car crash report in Seattle, WA, made by law enforcement. These reports will contain a wealth of detailed information that can guide our search for evidence in your case. The information in the report can be presented from an objective and authoritative point of view, identifying who is at fault in a car accident and outlining the damages.
It can be challenging to find the proper evidence for your case without having a good account of what happened. When we sit down at the negotiation table or argue your case in court, the information in the car crash report can help us use the right evidence to give your claim a great shot at success.
Memory is not always the most reliable and can change slightly over time, which is why the word of a trained officer can hold weight. They will discuss elements like the weather and road conditions, as well as the date, time, location, assessment of fault, damages, and injuries. While your memory of events may not be the clearest, we can rely on the report as a foundation.
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How to Get Your Car Crash Report in Seattle, WA
To obtain a Seattle, WA, car crash report, you will have to fill out a WRECR records request with the Washington State Patrol (WSP) after conducting a collision report search to find your accident report. It is free to search for your report; however, if you wish to request it, a fee will be required.
You can also request your report by mail or in person at the WSP’s in-office kiosk. Be aware of how long it takes to get a police report. It could take several weeks, especially if the officer is taking a while to complete their investigation of the accident. There is a lot to include, as laid out in RCW § 46.52.030, that could delay the officer in submitting their report.
You can talk with an experienced attorney to help you along the way in case it becomes frustrating at any point. Missing minor requirements could result in your request being denied. Your car accident claim should not be hindered just because of having to jump through some hoops to get a document you have the right to.
Can You Get Reports from the Seattle Police Department or the King County Sheriff’s Office?
No. It’s true that some accidents are handled by multiple law enforcement agencies, like the Seattle Police Department or the King County Sheriff’s Office. However, all law enforcement agencies in the state have to forward their reports to the WSP, so you would still obtain your report through the WSP.
Every accident can, and should, be reported, no matter how small it was. The state may set a monetary amount to designate how much damages are needed before a report is required, but you should report minor accidents after a crash since certain details could prove pivotal in your case down the road.
Regardless of who compiled your report, staying aware of what to do after a car accident and getting your car crash report is a great way to supplement your initial testimony. Having this authoritative information can give us more confidence in deciding how to argue your case. No amount of clerical barriers should prevent you from accessing reports of your own accident.
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Obtaining Important Reports Other Than Car Crash Reports
Cars are not the only vehicles on the road. Therefore, they are not the only things to have reports made about their crashes. As long as there were any damages, injuries, and first responders at the scene, there should be a report you can obtain. Here are some examples of other accidents for which you may need to file a claim:
- Rideshare accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bicycle accidents
A Seattle truck accident lawyer, a Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer, and others from Siegfried & Jensen want to help you get hold of whatever type of accident report you need for your claim.
We know how chaotic and jarring accidents of all kinds can be, so we understand that you may not have the clearest memory of your accident. That is why the information in those reports is so useful.
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A Car Accident Lawyer Is Here to Help
The details of your accident can become fuzzy in your memory as time goes on, but the reports remain static from the moment they are submitted. Getting the car crash report can feel like a big task when you are injured, but a lawyer can help.
At Siegfried & Jensen, we’ve spent decades assisting clients in personal injury cases, recovering more than $1.2 billion for victims. Let our experienced, dedicated team help you get your car crash report in Seattle, WA, today.
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